Preliminary Match Cut Film

During the process of filming our match cut film we tried to Include all of the shots we had planned. However, we were unable to effectively produce a shot reverse shot. We Included a few match cuts such as a shot which Included a tilted shot of Annika looking through a window of a door and then we went Inside the room of the door and took a shot of her from the other side of the door looking through. In editing we pieced these shots together and produced some secure match cuts. Furthermore, we got a shot of Annika sitting at a table handling a letter then placing It on a table. We then went behind Annika with a other the shoulder shot and looked at the letter left on the table. In editing we felt this appeared quite successful as the match cuts gave the film a constant and Invisible cutting feel.

Planning Preliminary Match exercise Including storyboard

In class we planned out the preliminary match cut exercise before the actual filming could take place. For Instance, we had to plan out all the shots we were going to use as well as the dialogue and scenes. We had a blank storyboard sheet we filled out, and we basically decided as a group what our cut was going to be about. Then we planned each shot out from Tilted shots to Tracking shot. We also had to have a clear plan of how we were planning to make our match cuts work In sequence to each other. If we didn't do this then we It was time to do the actual filming It would have been very hard for us to make It up as we went along. Once finished, we then had to answer a quick check list concerning what equipment we would require during our filming. We required a tripod, Dolly, Microphone and the other essentials such as our memory card and a battery. After all this we were ready to start our filming.

News and Current affairs events

Blues Star John Terry Scandal Saga

Disgraced England star john Terry has found himself in a sticky situation as it seems more past lovers are emerging to help jeopardise this footbaling stars career. It is said to have been that John Terry aka JT has had an outrageous number of affairs with different women, this news comes out in the wake of the tiger woods scandal and Terry who has been stripped of his England captinacy is said to be trying to get his life and career back on track.

Intro to cameras health and safety tutorial

In one of our recent media studies classes we viewed a presentation in a health and safety introduction towards using the JVC cameras. In the introduction we had in class we were told how to insert the battery and memory card. We were aso shown how to open the lcd screens, and were shown where all the buttons were for example the record button and manual and automatic focus buttons. On top of this we were also shown essential equipment such as the tripod and the dolly which can come useful in using some effective shots like the tracking shot. We were also shown how to change the height levels of the tripod and how to safely lock the camera in as we wouldn't want to have to pay for a new one if we had forgotten to safely attach it. Which leads me to my next point where last but not least we had to sign an agreement, agreeing that we had been taken through the tutorial and that we were aware of how to use equipment. And were also aware of the reprocussions of our actions should we misuse the equipment that we have at our disposal.

Hello group 15!

Annika - well done. You have done some really sound entries and some thoughtful anaysis. Do try to make the blog more visual by uploading some moving image - but well done so far!

Charles and Neto - you are a little bit behind - you seem to have published a lot of posts as your photos are all up separately, but there's actually quite a bit missing. Try to catch up over half term.

Tshala - I'm loving the colourful presentation technique! You are blogging really well - but your blogs could be improved by embedding some moving image, so try to find some useul inspirational clips on youtube to analyse.

well done

mx

Match Cut Prelim

Skills audit: Livetype and soundtrack pro

In media we were given the task of using two programmes on the imac computer the first was one called livetype here we had the privelage of being able to cut up, upload and edit various letterings to help us in making our title sequence. This was extremly beneficial as it helped us get a very hands on approach of what editing real credits was like . It was very easy to use and is also alot of fun as you can change fonts, colours and size of letters and the motion in which they pop up on our screens. On top of using livetype we also used a programme on the imac called soundtrack pro which is a audio editing and music composing software. It is fairly easy to use although the image at the top might not indicate so, it harvests within it a whole huge range of sound effects and is also really addictive to use so is a very enjoyable part of media as the sounds you use when you get the hang of it have a very good flow. This software is also similar to the the livetype in the way that it has a timeline and cutting of it will seem and feel similar.

United 93

United 93 is an American Political Thriller based on flight 93; one of the four planes hi-jacked in the 9/11 bombings. This film was released in June 2006.

Suspense is created in different ways in this film.

Firstly, the opening of the film shows a black screen and a voice that is reading the Quaran.

This creates suspense for the audience straight away as the lack of understanding of what the person is saying makes us as the audience feel on edge and unknowing to any event that could happen. As humans, we like to know what is going on in certain situations in able for us to feel comfortable and at ease. Not being able to see who is reading this as well creates a strong foreboading feeling and a lot of tension as at any moment something unexpected could happen.

While the voice is reading a passage from the Quaran, there is no other audio/sound playing which gives the viewer no choice but to listen to this alien voice over. The silence creates a feel of loneliness and being alone is not a great feeling, and this allows the viewers to feel this.

When we eventually see a character, not the one that was speaking, but this character does speak and he says "it is time" to the person who was reading the Quaran. This short piece of dialouge makes us as the audience feel more anxious as to what he means by "it is time".

Skills Audit- Editing

In my media lesson, we were taught how to use the software Final cut pro, which is a programme developed by Apple Inc.

It is a professional Non-linear editing software.

We were given different clips of a short independent film. We were told to edit it to make it flow into a short clip so that it made sense.

As we watched each individual clip, we were to take notes on what was going on so that when it came to then eventually making the clip we knew what parts went well with each other and which ones did not.

Whilst doing this, I was able to introduce myself to the shortcuts and the different tools this programme had so that when it eventually came to me editing my final piece, I knew exactlly what I had to do.

This excercise was pretty insightful, and it enabled me to get used to it as it is a knew programme which I have never used before. It was fun, but quite challenging to complete it by the end of the lesson.

News && Current Affairs

THE KILLER CURRY..

A mum of three, poisened her ex-lover curry with aconite because of jealousy causing him to die an agonising death.

He was due to marry his 23-Year old Fiance who she also tried to poison but she survied as she ate less of the food.

She is facing life inprisonment for this horrific crime.

The 40-Year old showed NO emotion as the verdict was delivered.

After the trial, a dective said she did it through pure jealousy, she could not stand to see her ex happy in another relationship.

She wasnt even married to this man, she was having an affair with him for 16 years, but when she heard that him and his fiance were planning to tie the knot, she bombarded his phone with abusive texs messages, and started plotting her evil plan to murder him and his fiance.

LiveType and Soundtrack Pro Skills Audit

During one of our media lessons, we were told to go onto the Macs and go onto a software called LiveType.

This is a software that has been developed by Apple Inc. to create animated title sequences for video projects.

This programme would benefit us when it comes to editing our final title sequence at the end of the project.

LiveType has many different fonts, effects, textures, objects and templates.

When it came to us actually using LiveType, I just simply typed my name and this enabled me to see that LiveType has many effects and fonts that I could apply to my text in order to make it stand out, look different and draw peoples attention.

I think that this would help our group to create that feeling of suspence once we get to grips on how to use the programme.

We also used a software called Soundtrack Pro. It is a music composing and audio editing software created by Apple inc.

This programme provides us with a range of different loops and samples in order to create some sound to go with our title sequence.

It has a range of sound effects also. Its is also quite easy to use so when it comes to actually having to create a musical score to go over our sequence, it wont be as difficult and time consuming.

Health And Safety

In one of my previous media lessons, we were shown a presentation on the health and safety and a basic introduction on handling a camera. In the presentation we were shown how to do basic things with the camera eg. assembling the battery and the memory card correctly.

As well as the basics, we were shown how to use the LCD when recording and viewing recorded film, how to correctly assemble the microphone to the camera, and how to place the camera onto the tripod properly when filming.

We were shown how to adjust the hight levels and angles of the camera in order to get the different camera shots when we are filming.

When it came to health and safety, we were told how to put the camera on the tripod and how to lock it properly so that it did not fall off and break, and how to balance the camera properly using the measure on the tripod.

After we were shown the presentation, each group was given a 5Mb memory card in order to store and save their camera work.

At the end, we had to sign a contract to show that we will follow the health and safety rules in order for us to do the work properly.

Intro to cameras & health and safety tutorial

In one of my recent lessons we were shown a presentation to introduce us to using the cameras. In the presentation we were shown the basics of using the cameras including the demonstration of how to apply the battery and memory card into the camera correctly. After this, each group was given a 5 mb memory card in order to use for thier task. As well as these basics we were taught how to use the lcd when recording and reviewing recorded film, and where to correctly apply the microphone to the camera and how to place the camera on the tripod when filming. In addition to this we were shown how to adjust tthe height levels and angles of the camera while it was placed on the tripod in order to achieve different camera shots, angles and focuses. In terms of safety when using the tripod we were notified on how to secure the camera onto the tripod with the safety lock and how to balance the camera using the measurer on the tripod. In the final part we had to sign a contract consulting and agreeing on the grounds that we had been through the tutorial.

Intro to cameras & health and safety tutotial

In my Media studies class we recently watched presentation of an Introduction towards using the cameras. We also we told how to apply the camera's battery and memory card. Each group was given a 5MB memory card to use for their media journey. We were shown how to open the LCD screen on the camera, where to apply a microphone and I was shown how to attach the camera stand to a dolly. We were taken through the features of the camera stand which Is called a Tripod. We were also shown how to make It taller, shorter and how to attach a camera to the Tripod and how to close It with the safety lock. Me and my group were shown the height of a eye level shot. Finally at the end of the tutorial we had to sign a paper consulting and agreeing the fact we have been through the tutorial.

LiveType Activity

During this, we were able to edit our own background which Included many choices. For Instance, choose wide ranging themes from space to mysterious backgrounds The backgrounds also move In the back creating a good animated look. Also, we could edit the colour of the writing to be displayed over the background and assign the writing characteristics such as making the letters bounce, fade, dirt skid on the floor. When finished you could view your overall production

Skills Audit LiveType and sound

During class we used the Live Type software ,In which we were able to create our own original sounds. I tried to give mt edited sound ambient music to try and allow It to relate to that of a Thriller. The software was quite Intriguing as It contained various types of music we could combine to make our own sounds. Such as: Drums, acoustic guitars, electric guitars and synthesized sounds. It was a enjoyable lesson for all, as everyone enjoyed making and editing their own personal sound. I tried to make my sound reflect that of the mini movie me and my group made.

News and current affairs events

Hugh Mcall's wife left, daughter middle and himself right

A recent story in the news in which could be used as a possible plot for a thriller is the story of husband who killed himself, his wife and daughter. Hugh Mcfall, killed his wife and daugher, it thought he did this by smothering them whilst they slept in thier mansion before he drove three miles to his business unit in the village of St Martins, where he hanged himself. The real reasons behind Mr Mcfall killing his family and himself are still remain unknown but there is suspisions are that he was in a serious amount of debt or facing a fianancial disaster and could'nt no longer cope and so ended it all. This could be used as a storyline for a thriller as the man murdering his wife and daughter is very chilling and would create a vast build up of tension if it was reconstructed as a film. In addition this story would make a remarkable thriller storyline as the fact that the the deaths were very unexpected and the reasons behind them are not obvious at all and are in contrast quite a mystery, would create uncertainty and anxiety for the audience.

Thriller Clip..The Shining

In class, we watched a short opening sequence of the movie 'The Shining'.

In the opening of the clip, we see a car driving along a cliffside road, in a very open space.
This creates a foreboading atmosphere as you cannot see anything but the car and the surronding area. You do not know what is going on, therefore this creates a feel of suspense.

In terms of camera shots, we see a lot of wide angle shots. This enables us as the viewers to see the surronding area in the opening sequence. It also makes the area a lot more mysterious.

There is a panning shot which gives us the feeling that we are a bird sweeping through the cliffs.
There is a bird's eye view which gives us a clearer shot of the landscape.

The music has an ambient feel to it which puts us as the viewers in a very tranced, hypnotised feeling.

In our media lesson, we went onto two different programmes called LiveType and Soundtrack Pro.

live type and soundtrack skills audit

We used the software program 'Soundtrack Pro' which is commonly used to produce and create soundtracks for films etc. In soundtrack pro we had to create our own soundtrack by using the many features and also we were able to combine and intergrate diffent types of sound based and instrumentals into one piece and also edit them. We chose the audio we wanted to use and dragged it to to the timeline to become a part of the soundtrack. The photo above demonstrates a visual representation of my sountrack in which I created.
In my previous lesson i learnt how to use the 'Live Type' software program. Livetype is used sometimes to create title sequences for the openings and closings of films.In livetype we were able to experiment with a variety of fonts, backgrounds and colours. As from the picture above you can see i chose to do a mysterious purple background and bold pink writing with black outline.

Teacher comment

Generally a good number of blogs - but not all of you seem to have got the 'blogging habit' (name begins with T). Try to blog on a regular basis, after each lesson.

Skills Audit- Editing

In my previous lesson, I learnt how to use the software program final cut pro to edit and match different scenes into a timed sequence. The clips were parts of a professionally filmed movie known as ‘Bait’. In class we had to watch clips of the film and manipulate what we wanted to use and at what part we wanted to use it. There were two screens, one which we watched the actual unedited clips this was called the viewer and the canvas, this was where we watched our personally edited film.

We had to make notes on the clips and decide on our own where we thought each part should be in our own edit of the film.

I also learnt how to use input and output tools to cut clips and close clips and then drag them to the to the timeline in order to create a sequence. In addition to this I learned how to use the razor tool to cut clips in the timeline and drag them to various places in the edited film or even use the same clip at different parts of the film.

I thought this exercise was quite fun as even though I weren't able to finish my editing I have gained experience and I have learnt the very basic skills on how to use final cut pro which will be useful later on in the unit when we have to edit our own group work.

News and Current Affarirs events

Murray defeated by Roger Federer

74 years In the wait for a British Grand Slam winner and set to Increase. Andy Murray was playing some wonderful tennis beating heavyweights such as Nadal and cilic but came up short against the legend that Is Federer who now extends his lead at the all time Grand Slam winners list. The last Brit to win a Grand Slam was Fred Perry In 1936, winning the US Grand Slam. Murray was beaten In straight sets 6-3 6-4 7-6 and the 22 year old Is yet to win his first Gran Slam. Also, this defeat conjures up the question will Andy Murray be able to win a Grand Slam as long as Roger Federer Is playing? Perhaps the line Is growing thinner and Murray Is coming closer to winning a British Gran Slam, but I'm sure he will be hoping for another opponent to play In the final. Despite the loss perhaps Murray can take a lot of experience from this defeat and come back bigger and better. Also, Murray rises Into 3rd In the world rankings from a previous ranking of 4th. Britain's wait goes on 74years and counting. But perhaps Murray's wonderful display In the road to the final and coming up short to a class proven act like Federer could only mean they're getting closer.

Analysing Thriller Clips

In the thriller clip of the shining there are very unique aspects involved. In the opening of the clip we see a car driving in a very open spaced area. This alone is very effective as it creates suspicion of the area itself and who exactly is driving the car and their reasons for being there.

In terms of camera work, the camera work in this clip is very interesting. There is a range of wide shots of the area, making the area feel even more mysterious and gives feeling of wariness of the area itself. In addition, extreme long shots are also a camera shot feature in this clip, these shots particularly create feelings of distance and uncertainty. The mysterious wilderness is highlighted even more as panning is used to sweep across the landscape, placing emphasis on the ‘emptiness’ of it and places focus on the car driving on its own in this place. As well as this in this clip of ‘The Shining’, birds eye view shots are also used when the landscape is shown, this birds eye view tends to be used very efficiently as it concerns audiences and makes them think the car doesn’t belong, or should not be there, simply because the birds eye view shot makes it seem the place is so far away it is untouchable and that the car venturing the area is in danger and doesn’t ‘fit’ there. Furthermore, the birds eye shot could be said to also enhance the thoughts of anxiety and uncertainty the audience may have because it makes it look like the car is a target of am eagles prey or even something else so it is in harms way.

The music featured on the clip, is very ambient, it sets the mood for the audience. The music in the clip is also very heavy lone drone, it is very noticeable and so has an impact on the audience by giving it an eerie effect.

The mise en scene in the thriller clip is quite distinctive also. The scene is based in the middle of no where, very secluded. And as the clip moves on and the car is driving towards an area which Is becoming even darker and more unwelcoming and isolated. To accomplice this, the editing is very slow so there is a direct influence to notice every aspect of the mise en scene.

The titles in the clip are quite plain and simple, they are moving titles but are almost like they are strolling, slow moving like the editing which distracts the audience from the tense atmosephere by created by the other aspects such as camera work etc. The only problem with this type of title sequence though is that the audience may become bored f seing the same writing lingering on the screen. Although this could have a massive impact on the audence as the film is totally contrasting to the title sequence and so the audience are suprised by what actually happens in the film.